The Lutheran October 2020 digital subscription edition

N A TIO N A L M A G A ZIN E O F THE L U THE R A N C HU RC H O F A U STRA LIA

O C TO B E R 2020

‘Whatever you did for one of ... these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for m e.’

Thank you!

VOL 54 N09

Print Post Approved PP100003514

MA TT HE W 25 :40

70 years of service through ALWS

Back to the start of an Australian story

EDITORIAL

Editor Lisa McIntosh p 08 8267 7300 m 0409 281 703 e lisa.mcintosh@lca.org.au

The Australian story of Pastor Ernie Kiss began at Bonegilla Migrant Camp near Wodonga in northern Victoria. Pastor Ernie stayed at Bonegilla for four months with his mum while he was a toddler, after his family emigrated from Hungary in 1950. The retired LCA/NZ pastor, who lives in Wodonga, visited Bonegilla recently with some other Australian (and New Zealand) Lutheran cross-cultural stories in hand. Read more of his story and those of other former residents of Bonegilla, the birthplace of Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), on pages 10 and 11.

Executive Editor Linda Macqueen p 08 8267 7300 e linda.macqueen@lca.org.au

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People like YOU bring love to life Mia Dohnt

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Our Saviour Aberfoyle Park SA

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Year 9 student at Immanuel College SA and ALWS supporter

Issued every month except January.

DESIGN & PRINT Design & Layout Elysia McEwen

Most treasured Bible text: Proverbs 4:23 ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’

Printer Openbook Howden

Dot Daniells

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St John’s Ipswich Qld

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Manuscripts are published at the discretion of the editor. Those that are published may be cut or edited.

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Retiree and ALWS supporter who enjoys visiting others to brighten up their day Most treasured Bible text: Romans 12:9 ‘Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.’

Neil Lutz St John’s Unley SA Former engineer, manager and HR specialist, now volunteer and longtime ALWS supporter Most treasured Bible text: Matthew 25:40

The Lutheran informs the members of the LCA about the church’s teaching, life, mission and people, helping them to grow in faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.

The Lutheran also provides a forum for a range of opinions, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or the policies of the Lutheran Church of Australia.

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‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these my brothers, you did it for me.’

Let the light of someone you know shine through their photo being featured in The Lutheran and LCA Facebook. With their permission, send us a good quality photo, their name and details (congregation, occupation, what they enjoy doing, most treasured text in these difficult times) and your contact details.

October Special features EDITOR'S

let ter

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While it’s often easier to focus on negative attitudes and selfish behaviour we see, experience or even contribute to, I am frequently surprised by the generosity and kindness of people.

For me, these heartwarming surprises have been going on for nearly 50 years. I still remember the thoughtfulness of a motel manager who posted back the beloved Humphrey B Bear I’d left behind on a family holiday, and the elderly lady who donated the only $2 she had to spare when my friend and I doorknocked houses to raise money for refugees when we were 11 or 12.

Throughout my life I’ve seen the kindness continue. In 2019 our Lutheran family in Australia and New Zealand backed the call by our church’s aid and development agency, Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), to raise more than $1 million to support schooling for 40,000 children in African refugee camps.

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Unfortunately, thanksgiving events to mark the ALWS 70th anniversary this month were cancelled due to COVID-19. However, many congregations will recognise the anniversary during worship on 18 October. And, thanks to the LLL and Lutheran Education Australia, this special edition of The Lutheran is going to all ALWS supporters and all staff of Lutheran schools and early learning centres in Australia.

Welcome to you all and especially any first-time readers. I pray that you will be blessed by what you encounter in these pages, as together we learn about ALWS history, hear from the agency’s supporters and partners, and come to see how its work shares kindness and generosity, and brings love to life for people in need.

Lisa

PS: If you’re not already part of our subscriber family, we’d love to have you join us. You can subscribe at www.thelutheran.com.au or through the details on page 2.

Where people like you bring love to life

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A language of love prevails when strangers are welcomed

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‘It is for others’: Taking care of your care

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Lutheran schools in Australia and ALWS team up

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Regulars 18

Still more Lutheran refugees and migrants came to Australia and New Zealand from Europe after World War II. Thousands of new arrivals were resettled through Bonegilla Migrant Centre near Wodonga in Victoria. A Lutheran pastor began serving at Bonegilla in 1947. That ministry was the forerunner to what today is ALWS. Through strong partnerships with Lutheran schools, church and government bodies and people like you, ALWS today works in 11 countries across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and last year helped 297,498 refugees and others hurt by poverty, injustice, or crisis.

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‘Thanks for what you 13 do through ALWS’

Despite this year’s Walk My Way group fundraising events for the same cause being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of people have innovated to safely participate – and to contribute to the education of thousands more kids.

The Lutheran churches in Australia have a long history with people fleeing war, persecution, or famine. Many of the first Lutherans who came to South Australia in the 1830s did so because of religious persecution in their native Prussia.

Side by side, every step of the way

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27

Heartland

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Dwelling in God’s word

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Church@Home

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#youngSAVEDfree

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The inside story

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Going GREYT!

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Directory

28

Sudoku

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Prayer calendar

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Our cover: Khoun Tha from Cambodia is thankful for the support of our Lutheran family through ALWS, which has enabled her to grow fruit and rice.

Photo: ALWS. Insets: ALWS had its beginnings in the welcoming of new arrivals to Bonegilla Migrant Centre in the 1940s. See pages 10-11.

10-11. Students from Concordia College in South Australia are among hundreds raising money to help send refugee children to school in Africa. See page 21.

JES U S I S G OD'S LOVE. HE G IVES U S NE W HE ARTS TO L AY AS IDE O UR OL D WAYS, TO B EL IE VE AND FOL LOW HIM, TO L IVE WI T H HIM E VERY DAY.

heartland

RE V JOHN HENDERSON

Bishop Lutheran Church of Australia

SALVATION FOR ALL – A STORY WORTH SHARING ‘“These people have received the Holy Spirit, just as we also did.

Can anyone, then, stop them from being baptised with water?” So [the apostle Peter] ordered them to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ’ (Acts 10:47,48a GNB).

Years ago, when I was a young pastor, I said in a Sunday sermon that the Bible verses I was speaking about were a ‘story’. Later, an older pastor took me aside to tell me I was wrong. He thought a ‘story’ meant something made up and therefore not true. I disagreed with him then and I still do now.

Stories are important. We each have a story – the story of our life. It’s a real story, told from the inside as only we can tell it. Similarly, parents

CH RISTIANS TODAY CO NTI N U E TO TELL TH E SAM E STORY, SO THAT PEOPLE OF EVERY BACKG ROU N D – WO M EN AN D M EN , CH I LDREN AN D ADU LTS – MAY BELI EVE I N J ESUS AN D BE SAVED. 4

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and teachers use stories every day to teach children about life. Kids love stories. Adults love stories too. They are important to our growth and learning.

It’s no surprise, then, that when God speaks to us, he often does so in the form of a story. The Bible is a collection of books that tell the story of God’s love for human beings and for the world. From Adam and Eve to Noah, to Abraham and Isaac, to Moses and Joshua, to David and Solomon, through the prophets to John the Baptist and, finally, to Jesus the Christ.

The Book of Acts tells part of God's story. It tells how the Holy Spirit worked to spread Christianity throughout the Mediterranean world. It’s a dynamic story of faith, preaching, wonders and a growing church. It also tells of danger, active opposition and strident debate as Christians learned that God accepts all people without discrimination.

Acts contains the story of Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a good man. For the Jews, he was a religious outsider, or Gentile, which was a huge barrier in those days. One day an angel of the Lord told Cornelius to invite the apostle Peter to visit. Peter was an observant Jew, but God gave him a vision of all kinds of forbidden foods mixed together, which he was told to eat. Because of the vision, Peter could accept Cornelius’s invitation with a clean conscience, despite his religious

training. Peter told Cornelius his own story and the story of Jesus. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit came on the household and they all were baptised. God had shown that salvation in Jesus has no barriers, religious or otherwise. When Peter shared this story with other Christians, it changed their attitude to people of a different background.

Acts shows how faith spreads by telling the story of Jesus. The apostles used it to explain how everything that God had done among the Jews – as recorded in the Old Testament – led up to this point. They told all who would listen how Jesus, who died but whom God raised from the dead, now saves everyone who believes in him.

Christians today continue to tell the same story, so that people of every background – women and men, children and adults – may believe in Jesus and be saved. It is still our direction and motivation. It still excites us because Jesus is just as much alive among us as he was among them.

God raised him from the dead, and we believe that he will also raise us. That’s worth sharing, over and over, until he returns and takes us to be with him in heaven.

The story of Jesus Christ, which is the church’s story, has also become my story, and I pray it is yours also. He is our life and our salvation, as he is for all people, everywhere, for all time.

Pastor Bruno Muetzelfeldt (far right), who began visiting Lutheran migrants at Bonegilla Migrant Centre in 1947, with the staff of Lutheran World Service–Australia office, on the day he departed for Geneva to serve with Lutheran World Federation. Also, from left, Pastor Muetzelfeldt’s LWS-A successor Brian Neldner, Eeva-Liisa Viheriakoski, Ora Simpfendorfer, Lorna Koetz, Margaret Bruveris. Photo courtesy Dr Brian Neldner.

Side by side,

E V E R Y S T E P O F T H E W AY When Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) began 70 years ago, it was formed so that our Lutheran family could walk alongside people in need. That’s exactly what people like you still do today, says Jen Pfitzner …

At the end of World War II, Europe was left in ruins and millions of people were forced from their homes.

War-scarred people needed new places to live and Australia needed new workers – so began a 20-year exodus of more than 300,000 people to Bonegilla Migrant Centre near Wodonga in Victoria.

The journey from Europe took weeks. Arriving at Port Melbourne, weary families then boarded a train for the rattly eight-hour journey to Bonegilla – just a few lights in a siding in a paddock. These people looking for a better life must have wondered where they’d ended up!

Yet our Lutheran family was there, welcoming them with open arms. Helping them find their feet. Listening to their worries and hopes for the future.

In 1947 many of the migrants arriving at the Bonegilla Migrant Centre were Lutherans, so the Lutheran pastor in Albury, Rev Bruno Muetzelfeldt, began visiting the centre.

Often there were more than 1000 Lutherans at Bonegilla at a time, so Pastor Muetzelfeldt became the full-time chaplain. The Lutheran ministry to migrants expanded to place Lutheran pastors on the ships coming to Australia.

Then, once the government found migrants a more permanent home, the Lutheran team at Bonegilla let the local pastor know they were coming. This meant people had a pastor supporting them from their homeland to Bonegilla and then to their new home. Their faith may have been the only constant through this unsettling time.

What an amazing comfort people our Lutheran family helped provide!

In 1950 the newly formed Lutheran World Federation (LWF) decided a base was needed in Australia to help with refugee resettlement and the Lutheran church’s aid agency was born – Lutheran World Service-Australia (LWS-A).

By 1955 the Lutheran team had helped resettle 2350 refugees and more staff were needed. Brian Neldner joined the team as a case-work assistant. He would go on to serve people through LWS for almost 40 years.

Many of the migrants coming to Australia had left family at home. So support in these early years involved helping to bring loved ones to Australia by working with LWF offices in Europe. The Lutheran team also helped provide travel loans for family members.

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Since those first days of ALWS, the Lutheran team has sat with people and listened to what they need. This is at the heart of how our Lutheran family cares for people through ALWS still today.

Photo: LWF Nepal

GO D H AS US ED TH E EN ERGY, PAS SI O N A N D kindness O F O U R EXTEN D ED LUTH ER A N FA M I LY TO bless TH E LIV ES O F M A NY PEO PLE H U RT BY POV ERT Y, CO N FLI CT A N D I N J USTI CE.

LWS-A also supported some Lutheran churches with grants – they needed more room and services now that many migrant Lutherans were joining them.

In 1960 Pastor Muetzelfeldt took on a senior position at the LWS headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Brian Neldner became the head of LWS-A. Lutheran Pastor Norman Sander was called to be chaplain at Bonegilla.

By this time the need for help for migrants had declined, so support increasingly shifted to aid and development around the world, with a focus on refugees. This continues today, with ALWS supporting work in refugee camps where nearly 1.5 million displaced people live.

When the government began helping migrants to come to Australia, travel loans were not needed as much.

Because the repayment of loans had been so good, Mr Neldner was able to set up the Secondary Purpose Revolving Loan Fund to help with resettlement.

Through LWS-A, Australians supported the worldwide work of LWF and responses to disasters and emergencies, rather than specific projects. This generosity and trust mean gifts could – and still can – be used where needed most urgently.

In 1964 Brian Neldner moved to Tanzania to head up the new LWS program there and Adelaide businessman Sid Bartsch became the new director of LWS-A.

In 1974 LWS-A received funds for the first time from the Australian Government’s Development Assistance Bureau (ADAB, which is now DFAT – the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade).

When the LCA was established in 1966, it was agreed that LWS-A would be its channel for overseas aid.

Mr Bartsch promoted the emergency, refugee and development work of the Lutheran World Service around the globe. He encouraged Australian Lutherans to support this work.

A LW S TIMELINE

This is how the work through LWS-A moved from receiving help primarily from LWF to resettle refugees, to giving help to others!

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In 1971 the Australian Government decided to close Bonegilla, so the LWS-A office moved into Albury.

Pastor Muetzelfeldt begins visiting Lutheran migrants at Bonegilla Migrant Centre

LCA is formed. New LWS-A head Sidney Bartsch encourages the LCA to move to support the global work of LWS

By this time 2350 migrants have been helped

1955

1947

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But just when it seemed that support for migrants coming to Australia was no longer needed, things changed. Refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, plus eastern Europeans, and later people from Central America, fled to Australia to find safety and security.

Backed by the Australian Government, LWS-A supported nearly 2000 families to begin new lives in Australia. The Australian Government continues to trust ALWS to deliver

1950

LWS-A receives Australian government funds for the first time

1966 1960

Lutheran World ServiceAustralia is formed

1974 1971

Brian Neldner heads up LWS-A and works to establish a loan fund for resettlement

LWS-A office moves to Albury

community development work, with a rigorous process every five years to maintain accreditation.

By 1985 it was clear that LWS-A needed to become an Australian organisation, rather than a branch office of an international one, with one reason being that the Australian Government wanted to work with Australian organisations. The LCA and LWS in Geneva agreed the office should be called Australian Lutheran World Service. In 1991 ALWS became the aid and resettlement agency of the LCA. The first director of ALWS was architect Gary Simpson.

He and the new ALWS Board continued to make sure donations were used efficiently and effectively to help people in countries like Mozambique, Cambodia and Nepal. ALWS also reached out to victims of war and disasters, in places like Rwanda, East Timor and Malawi.

In 2017, when the first Walk My Way refugee education support event was held, our ALWS family, supported by the Australian Government, gave more help than ever before – $8.6 million!

In 2018 Jamie Davies became director.

In 2019, as part of the GRACE Project, ALWS supporters helped more than 40,000 refugee children go to school – matching the number of students in Lutheran schools in Australia.

In 2020 even COVID-19 couldn’t stop our Lutheran family’s support, as Walk My Way became Walk YOUR Way and people like you walked, wheeled, woofed and even toddled your way to help others.

It’s impossible to acknowledge every person since 1947 who has made our church’s aid agency what it is today.

However, this small taste of ALWS history shows how God has used the energy, passion and kindness of our extended Lutheran family to bless the lives of many people hurt by poverty, conflict and injustice.

That year Peter Schirmer became the assistant secretary of ALWS, with the job of creating resources for teachers.

These resources – class activities, videos, presentations and more – are used by more than 70 per cent of Lutheran schools across Australia today.

During this time Gary and Peter also visited the communities ALWS was helping overseas in order to learn more about the needs of the people and to show them that our Lutheran family’s care for them goes far beyond financial gifts.

Today our church through ALWS works in 11 countries.

Last year the ALWS family helped 297,498 people with the same spirit of service as Pastor Bruno 70 years ago.

Walking alongside people. Side by side, every step of the way.

Thanks be to God for the blessings brought through ALWS, as together we seek to bring love to life.

Jen Pfitzner is ALWS Communications Support Officer.

Photo: LWD

Organisations responding to disasters must coordinate their efforts to ensure resources are deployed quickly and effectively. That’s why Action by Churches Together (ACT Alliance) – a group of churches and churchrelated organisations of different denominations working together – was formed in 1995.

After 10 years Peter took over as director of ALWS. When the Boxing Day tsunami struck in 2004, support for Indonesia began through its largest Lutheran church, HKBP. This work grew to include other LWF churches in Indonesia, in partnership with LCA International Mission and Lutheran Education Australia, with generous financial support from the LLL. Our Lutheran family embraced the first Gifts of Grace catalogue in 2008, sending support for life-changing assets such as goats and chickens around the world.

Chey Mattner became ALWS director in 2013.

Official document signed on 10 July to form ALWS

ALWS becomes a founding member of ACT Alliance (emergency response)

1989 1978

$8.6 million in support – most help ever!

1995 1991

Resettlement support for refugees from Asia, after the Vietnam War

TODAY: 11 countries + emergency help in others. Thanks to our incredible supporters!

2017 2008

ALWS becomes the aid and development agency of the LCA

2020 2019

The first Gifts of Grace

GRACE Project supports 40,000 refugee children to go to school

WHERE PEOPLE LIKE YOU

bring love to life D J I B O UTI ‘This school here is important for many things.

If it is not here, there is no place for people to learn.

I believe education is the backbone of life. life. I thank the people who have given money for this school.’ – Hayat

SO UT H S U DA N ‘When a woman told me about the LWF training for cooking, I was very excited.

Now I have a restaurant and hire four women to help me in the business! And I feel happy I OWN something. I have food for my children. I can pay their school fees, and I encourage them to complete school.

Thank you for upgrading my life.’ life.’

– Ayen

K E NYA ‘I didn’t go to school myself, so I am happy that my children can come to school. It will give them hope for the future. I am grateful for the help from Australia.’

SO M A LI A ‘Clean water keeps us healthy. Thank you!’ you!’

– Anab

– Kulusia, mother of Masego

CO U N T RY

M OZ A M B I Q U E

Y E A RS

Mozambique

1991–2016

Nepal

1994 now

Cambodia

1995 now

Indonesia

2004 now

PNG

2004 now

South Sudan

2004 now

Kenya

2006 now

Burundi

2008 now

Djibouti

2016–2020

Somalia

2018 now

Myanmar

2018 now

Bangladesh

2018 now

Rebuilding your life takes time. As you can see here, through ALWS, our Lutheran support stays with people for the long haul.

BURUNDI ‘I used to be afraid of other people because of my bad life.

I would run away and hide because I felt too ashamed ...

Now that I can read and write, I am the chief of savings and loans! I am feeling very proud.

My life has changed!’ changed!’

– Spesi

N E PA L ‘Now I grow gourd, cabbage, long beans, eggplant and cauliflower.

Now I can feed my family and sell extra, so I can send my sons to school. Now my husband works with me instead of going to India.

We are doing well!’ well!’

– Sarita

Come with us around the world and meet the

people our Lutheran family helps through ALWS! BA N G L A D ES H ‘Our project has already planted more than 10,000 locally adapted saplings. The fastgrowing trees have grown big already, giving shade to Rohingyas from sun. It satisfies me a lot when I see people resting under the shade of our plants. Also, when they thank us for saving them from landslides, it makes me proud.’ proud.’

– Sohel, LWF worker

M YA N M A R ‘I am happy to see [ALWS’ partner] LWF provide materials and everything children need to go to school. We are so happy that people in Australia help us.’

– Nu Say Tar Rar

PA PUA N E W G U I N E A ‘Once my students complete the literacy course, they can enter formal education as a primary student, even if they are an adult. My hope is when this class graduates, we will find more students. In five years’ time I hope I am still a literacy teacher, because I would like everyone to be literate.’ literate.’

I N D O N ES I A ‘Now my family and I are really happy after the support in getting a clean water filter system. Now I find my family hardly ever get sick any more. We hope our children will one day own a small business and have their own income, and not be like their parents. We hope they are one hundred times better!’’ better!

– Hezisokhi

– Aningao, Community Literacy Teacher

CAMBODIA ‘We have been supported in training about how to care for the pigs and how to plant and harvest vegetables. Now my ability to earn money is better than before. I dream for my children to get an education and good job.’

PLUS through ALWS, our Lutheran help is there for people after floods, famine and other emergencies, helping provide lifesaving aid.

Thank you!

– Nget Son and his wife

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Bonegilla accommodated 309,000 new arrivals from 1947 to 1971. Pictured are Albury Good Neighbour Council's Mr F H Stanton; Mrs Morta Mezulis, Peteris, Jekobs, Mrs Jautra Kampe, Karlis, Baiba, Mikelis, Mr Kampe, LWS-A’s Mr Brian Neldner and Colonel H G Guinn, director of Bonegilla. Photograph: Border Morning Mail, Albury. Courtesy: Lutheran Archives

A language of love

PR EVAI LS W H EN STR A N G ERS AR E W ELCO M ED Australian Lutheran World Service had its beginnings at the Bonegilla Migrant Centre, near Wodonga in Victoria, when Lutheran Pastor Bruno Muetzelfeldt began ministering to newly arrived migrants from war-ravaged Europe. Bonegilla operated from 1947 to 1971, accommodating more than 300,000 displaced persons and war refugees. Today, one in 20 Australians is thought to be descended from Bonegilla migrants and last year ALWS provided care to nearly 300,000 people across the globe. To follow are the reflections of some whose families were at Bonegilla. You can read more memories by members of the ALWS family at www.alws.org.au ‘I was six when I arrived at Bonegilla with my parents on 22 December 1948. My dad was Estonian and mum Latvian. We had left a cold European winter and were about to experience our first hot summer Christmas.

My mum arrived wearing a fur coat! We came on the ship Protea with 700 passengers. We then travelled by train to Bonegilla. Our new home! Unlined Nissan huts.

I remember the steps going up into the huts. They were very cold and very hot! I am truly thankful for our life in Australia. And it all began in Bonegilla and the kindnesses of so many, including Lutheran churches and ALWS.’ – Margrit Friebel (nee Schmidt)

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‘The buildings were actual Nissan huts – curved corrugated-iron buildings, with no inner wall linings.

I can remember Mum looking hot and fanning herself.

She told me years later how much she hated the heat initially. Men often sat in groups. Probably smoking, playing cards and talking.’

– Ivar Schmidt

‘I was only 14 months old when we arrived from Italy, so my memories are my mum’s. When they first arrived, the hut they were placed in had wet mud floors and there was dried vomit still on the cot. Not such a welcoming start! On their wedding anniversary, Mum smuggled in a small gas burner to cook a special meal in their hut.

She placed each part of the meal under the quilt covers to stay warm until all parts of the meal could be eaten together! So many at Bonegilla were carrying scars from World War II. It is the grandchildren who have really reaped the benefits of their decision to come to Australia and from their hard work.’

– Barbara Mann

‘Dad shared how he felt sad for the people arriving by train, often at night, at a little siding in the middle of nowhere and then being bussed to the camp. They would look so lost, with their suitcases and children clutching their hands. It would move him to tears. He said, “All I want to do is to do good for these people, for they will be the next generation to build our country”. The people were always so grateful. This was a new opportunity after the harrowing times of the war.’ war.’

– Elizabeth Stolz, daughter of Pastor Norman Sander

‘As I was only a toddler, my “recollections” of life at Bonegilla come from my parents. Due to World War II and the dire economic situation, my parents were devastated that they couldn’t return to Hungary; their only hope was to emigrate to Australia. My parents struggled with being so far from their families, but making friends with other migrants made life somewhat tolerable. The food was so bland that it left Mum with a life-long aversion to lamb! Mum and I were in Bonegilla for four months and joined Dad in Geelong where he had found work and accommodation.’

– Pastor Ernie Kiss

ABOUT BON EGILLA M IGRANT CAM P • The name comes from the Aboriginal word for ‘deep water hole’ • It operated from 1947–1971 • The camp welcomed 309,000 displaced persons and war refugees

love

‘ T H E L A N G UAG E O F PR E VAI LED I N S PITE O F G EN ER A L L A N G UAG E D I FFI CU LTI ES … W E W ER E N OT CO N CER N ED AS TO W H AT R ELI G I O N TH E PEO PLE F O LLOW ED, W E A LL J UST

help

WA NTED TO TH EM I N T H EI R N EED. I N A DO PTI N G T H IS AT TITU D E, W E W ER E SU R E O F DO I N G A CH R IST- LI K E T H I N G .’

– LCA Pastor Norman G Sander, chaplain Bonegilla Migrant Centre, 1960–1970

• People at Bonegilla were from 50 countries, mostly non-English speaking • There were 24 accommodation blocks, each with a kitchen, mess hut, shower and toilet • Men and women were in separate quarters • There were 800 buildings with a capacity of 7700 beds by 1950

I N 2020 A RO U N D TH E WO R LD You are part of a global effort helping 1,432,865 displaced people ... ... from Somalia, South Sudan, across eastern Africa, Myanmar, Syria, Bhutan ... ... in Kenya, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Jordan, Nepal and Myanmar.

Margrit Friebel’s (nee Schmidt) mum Helga (centre) with her uncle Alex and aunt Toni, along with her sister-in-law Trude and brother Harry, who arrived from Germany in 1950, pictured at Bonegilla Migrant Centre.

‘ I T I S F O R OT H E R S ’:

Taking care of your care Across its 70-year history, ALWS has been blessed with passionate leaders, who take seriously the trust placed in them. Here are their messages of thanks to you … ‘ N OW M Y STO M AC H I S FU LL’ Brian

In the 1980s I got a letter from a chap I’d never heard of. He said: ‘Thank you for the scholarship you gave me in Botswana. I’ve just completed my PhD at Oxford and am going to go back to my people.’ I also think of the man I met in Ethiopia in 1970 and again three years later who said: ‘When you came here three years ago my stomach was hitting my backbones. Now look, my stomach is full.’ It was a great privilege to work for ALWS/LWS.

– Dr Brian Neldner (1960–1964)

G U ESTS , N OT I N S PEC TO RS I remember my first visit to the field. I requested permission to have a site inspection of LWS projects. I received a response advising that LWS doesn’t do site inspections, but visits, as guests of the communities. That advice was in my mind as I visited projects around the world. I’ve been heartened by the support from faithful and generous Lutheran people around Australia and New Zealand, especially from Lutheran schools. Thank you and thanks to God who provides for his people.

Gary

– Mr Gary Simpson (1991–2000)

S H A KY H A N DW R ITI N G Peter

In my time at ALWS, a pensioner periodically sent a $5 note with a note in shaky handwriting apologising that this was all she could manage on her meagre pension.

Truly the widow’s mite. I felt as great a responsibility in the use of that $5 note as I did for the biggest gifts. ALWS’s donors are the lifeblood that brings love to life through ALWS’s life-saving and life-sustaining programs. May God bless you and the work of your gift.

– Mr Peter Schirmer (2000–2012)

‘ IT IS F O R OTH E RS’ During a visit to Queensland, an elderly woman gave me an envelope. Within it was a $10 note and a message: ‘I can no longer give as much as I want but please accept this. It is for others’. I kept a copy as a reminder of the enormous responsibility of making each dollar count. Later that year, I met teachers in Djibouti and told them this story. They said every time they used chalk donated by ALWS, they would think of her. Thank you for all you’ve done ‘for others’.

Chey

– Mr Chey Mattner (2012–2018)

AC H I E V I N G C H A N G E – TOG ETH E R

Jamie

In January I visited a camp for internally displaced people in Myanmar. Hakim, the leader of a parent-teacher association, told me: ‘In my home, we had no access to education. Here at the camp, our kids go to school. I am very pleased with what we have accomplished together!’ Not only are 2500 children in the camp now safer, learning and ready for the future – but the adults also radiate confidence, hope and pride. Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place.

– Ms Jamie Davies (2018–present) Two leaders are no longer with us. We thank them for their wonderful service: Rev Dr Bruno Muetzelfeldt (1950–1960) and Mr Sidney Bartsch (1965–1990).

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‘ Thanks

F O R W H AT YO U D O T H R O U G H A LW S ’

A LWS PA RTN E RS A N D S U PPO RTE RS EXPR ES S G R ATITU D E I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude towards ALWS for acting as a faithful partner with LWF here in Burundi. Your support since 2009 is restoring hope, dignity and self-reliance for 2052 families, with flow-on benefits to another 8885 families. We see immediate positive results, and credit all the successes to the invaluable supports you provide.

Claudette Nzohabonimana National Country Director, LWF World Service – Burundi Program

On behalf of the Rohingya refugee community here in Cox’s Bazar, and the Bangladeshi host people, I give sincerest thanks to ALWS on your continuous support.

You have been most valuable as you bring love to life for these vulnerable people, especially as we struggle with COVID-19. Through your support 14,000 refugee and host community people are cared for.

Bhoj Raj Khanal LWF Emergency Hub Coordinator, Asia & the Pacific

Congratulations ALWS on reaching your 70th anniversary.

As the Member for Mayo and as a Lutheran school mum I have been proud to be involved in ALWS events like Walk My Way … what a blessing you have been to the thousands of people you have reached out to with practical support, in the spirit of Christian love.

Rebekha Sharkie MP Federal Member for Mayo

Representing communities where ALWS had its origins, it is a privilege to note this important anniversary. When a previous crisis saw the need to relocate homeless and displaced citizens after World War II, the Lutheran church here in my home town of Albury was ready to welcome them at Bonegilla Migrant Camp. There can be little doubt the love and assistance so many received helped turn Australia into the wonderful multicultural and peaceful democracy we are now. For this we owe ALWS our thanks.

The Hon Sussan Ley MP Federal Member for Farrer

It is a fantastic endeavour by successive generations of the Lutheran community to support refugees and displaced people in many parts of the globe through ALWS, and then make the connections back to settlement and building communities in Australia. Longstanding ALWS involvement in ACFID networks serves to strengthen and improve the work of the broader Australian development community and we are grateful for this.

Marc Purcell Chief Executive Officer, ACFID

Since 1999 ALWS has been a valued partner to the Australian Government’s efforts to reduce poverty and create prosperity and stability in our region and globally.

ALWS responded to the call to confront the COVID-19 scourge, rapidly pivoting six of their ANCP programs, reaching over 90,000 people. On behalf of DFAT, I congratulate ALWS on 70 years and look forward to working together into the future.

Jon Burrough Director, NGO Program and Partnerships Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The LLL is blessed to have partnered ALWS during your 70-year history. Whether supporting the ALWS Awareness Program in Lutheran schools, or sponsoring Walk My Way, or helping fund community development work in Indonesia, LLL sees the great value of working together in partnership. This extends to LLL savings account holders who make this support possible for ALWS. We thank and praise God for each and every one of them.

Allen Kupke Chief Executive Officer, LLL

I thank God for the people of ALWS who work to keep our eyes ‘focused outward’. ALWS helps us see more clearly our neighbours in faraway places who need us to share with them some of the abundance that the Lord has given us.

Bishop Paul Smith LCA Queensland District

The Lutheran O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0

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ING IN L L E DW WORD S ' D GO

FROM THE HE AR G N I V T SER It’s a powerful thing when the wealthy and healthy help the poor and needy. It’s even more powerful when it happens the other way around.

I was privileged to travel through remote villages in Mozambique five years ago through ALWS. We were humbled when these villagers, dependent on subsistence living in a challenging environment, prepared a farewell meal for us of goat, chicken, ugali and vegetables. They fed us their very best food and the whole village, who rarely enjoyed the taste and nutrition of meat, waited and watched until we were fed before they started eating.

Who was serving whom? You don’t forget hospitality and a meal like that. Christ came to us through the people of Gaza Province, Mozambique.

Read Luke 10:25–37.

The religious expert asks Jesus what to do and to whom in order to get eternal life. He wants a neat exclusive list of people to whom he owes the duty of love.

How does Jesus’ parable (vv30–35) challenge/extend this thinking?

The three who pass the wounded man all ‘see’ him. The Samaritan’s response stands out.

Focus on the verbs in verses 33 and 34.

Write them down.

Now read Matthew 9:35,36, looking also at the verbs. How are Jesus’ actions in Matthew similar to the Samaritan’s?

In New Testament Greek the verb to have ‘compassion’ means to be moved deeply from one’s inner parts (ie heart, lungs, liver, kidneys).

Think about and discuss a time when you felt compassion ‘from the heart’ for someone.

Were you moved to act in some way?

We watch the news. Our world is hurting! We might even be moved deeply by events. But then we are whisked on our way, through finance, sports, weather, Netflix and

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by Simon Cooper

beyond. We ‘pass by’ what we have seen. The hurting are soon forgotten.

The first two travellers forget the injured man for the sake of their plans. The Samaritan forgets his plans for the sake of the injured man.

Can you think of times in the gospels when Jesus, driven by compassion, stops to take time for hurting people?

Nearly 50 years before Jesus was born, Julius Caesar spoke the words, ‘I came, I saw, I conquered’.

In the light of the Good Samaritan, what word/s could replace ‘conquered’ to form a very different and yet fitting slogan for Christian living?

Jesus comes into the world, sees its brokenness, and helps its deepest needs.

Three lessons about loving our neighbour: 1. True love and care aren’t limited by prejudice.

Despite being rejected by some Samaritans in the previous chapter (Luke 9:51–53), Jesus chose a Samaritan in this parable as the model for godly love.

Who is my neighbour?

2. True love and care are costly. The cross reminds us. Look again at the ways the Samaritan showed immediate AND long-term care.

3. True love and care aren’t driven by guilt, nor seek reward, nor burden the sufferer with debt. They stem from a new way of being and seeing. Time spent with Jesus changes us, from the inside out.

Read Luke 10:38–42. How do Jesus’ words to Martha (Luke 10:42) help us understand the source of our love and care?

‘Wake us O Lord to human need, to go wherever you would lead … … our neighbour’s problems now we’ll bear; because you love, we love and care.’

– from Lutheran Hymnal Supplement 819 by Phyllis Kersten Pastor Simon Cooper is a member of the ALWS Board of Directors and College Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran College Noosaville in Queensland.

www.lca.org.au/churchhome DEUTERONOMY 31:8

THE LORD HIMSELF GOES BEFORE YOU AND WILL BE WITH YOU.

Fosteir gn a il fe of af ith With some churches still affected by COVID-19 restrictions, we are sharing special devotional materials with the aim of helping to foster the home faith-life of LCA/NZ members. Most of these are from the Church@Home resources collection on a special webpage at www.lca.org.au/churchhome www.lca.org.au/churchhome.. There is also other faith-building content available through this page, including family resources, encouraging messages and Bible studies, as well as family and child safety, and health and wellbeing resource links, information for church workers, and details on how to support your congregation and the wider church’s mission through Regular Electronic Giving. If you have internet access and a printer, why not print off some resources and mail or deliver them to those who may otherwise miss out?

Lisa

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are from a fresh set of devotions written for our LCA/NZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we face unsettling times. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the Church@Home resources during this season of uncertainty. You can find these and more on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

To know Christ ‘I want to know Christ’ (Philippians 3:10a).

Read Philippians 3:7–16.

Paul was willing to set aside the status of being ‘a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, and considering himself faultless regarding legalistic righteousness’; it’s all worth nothing in comparison with knowing Christ Jesus. He’d rather have been living in union with Christ through faith than still trying to achieve righteousness through the law, having discovered the righteousness gifted by God and received by faith.

Knowing Jesus personally is very different from knowing about Jesus. We start hearing of and knowing about Jesus, and then it’s a growth process, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. As we learn to take God at his word, believing that he means what he says, we start to mature or grow into who and what he has called us to be.

Y B RU T H O L S E N A child in a family will grow up into that family culture.

As the child becomes an adult, there will be some things to leave behind, especially to press on in learning to be what the Lord has called him or her to be in this earthly life, using God-given gifts and abilities to serve and encourage others. For a child of God, that involves learning, letting go, receiving and taking up, sifting, sorting, discerning, training, stretching, applying, equipping – all guided by the Holy Spirit. He is our Helper, our Counsellor, our Trainer and our Enabler. He stirs in us the willingness needed and empowers us to ‘just do it’ in our daily life. For it is God who works in us to will and to act (do) according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13).

Lord, help me willingly recognise your training, equipping, and onward call each day. Amen.

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DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

Pay it forward!

BY SAL HUCKEL

‘When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that happened’ (Matthew 18:31).

Get set for a wild ride of forgiveness, grace and mercy as we tackle a challenging lectionary scripture on these themes. Pray for discernment and new insights as we read together.

Read Matthew 18:21–35.

This passage is about God’s grace and forgiveness freely given to us, even though we have our own account with him that rightly should be settled, and is, by Jesus on the cross. Whatever way you do the maths, this kind of forgiveness feels too hard. Many modern-day messages say it’s okay to cut people off when they wrong us, and it’s perhaps easier to do that than ever before.

Today let’s consider the different ‘players’ or roles in the story. We have Peter asking the question. Is he wondering how long it is before he can be let off the hook, forgiving the same person time and time again?

Are we?

We also have the king, settling accounts between his servants and offering grace and forgiveness for a sizeable debt. We can easily see God in this story, doing so with our own accounts with him. The unmerciful servant himself is forgiven a large debt, but rather than ‘paying it forward’ or passing that forgiveness on, he seizes his debtor for a much lesser amount.

But why are the ‘other servants’ here? They don’t seem essential to the plot. But Jesus’ words are never wasted!

The servants witness the generosity and forgiveness of the master and the subsequent injustice. The servants petition for justice and the master acts. How can we put ourselves in their place once we have considered our own accounts? What are we witnessing? Just as in the reconciliation procedures in the previous passage (verses 15–20), the body is called in. Are you witnessing injustice and unforgiveness that may need to involve your action – naming it, praying to God for justice and doing more than simply looking on?

Lord, help me to keep a short account with you and with others. Remind me to pass on the forgiveness I receive from you as we pray so familiarly. Help me to discern the right approach where I witness a lack of mercy and forgiveness in others, and to bring it before you in prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

CHURCH

@home

PRAYER Gracious God, trusting in your providence and presence, we bring our prayer for an end to this pandemic. We pray for your strengthening of those offering costly leadership during this crisis. We pray for all who are ill. We pray for those anxious about getting ill. We pray for those full of grief. We remember those who have died. We pray for your grace to sustain us as we do what we can in our context. We ask these things, as you encourage us so to do. ‘Ask and it will be given you’ (Matt 7:7).

In resurrection faith, we offer our heartfelt prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

– From a National Council of Churches in Australia initiative for a special time of prayer focused on the COVID-19 pandemic

PSALM 34:18

THE LORD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED AND THOSE WHO ARE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT.

saves

Love like Jesus ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44).

Read Matthew 5:38–48.

What’s the thing I love most about following Jesus? That there is no-one else like him.

What’s the thing I find hardest about following Jesus?

That there is no-one else like him.

No-one else loves us as Jesus loves us – unconditionally, graciously, constantly.

But then Jesus goes and asks me, asks us, to do the same – to love unconditionally, graciously, constantly. It’s why we can say both ‘I am simply a forgiven sinner’ and ‘I shine Christ’s light into the darkness’.

We are called to be in the world, but not of the world, to be salt, light and a city on a hill. And if you ever want to stand out, if you ever want to be remarkable, if you ever

A bigger table

BY PASTOR CHRIS MANN want to have everyone look at you, then there is simply one thing to do: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

It’s what Jesus did when he went to the cross. And it is Jesus, in us, who helps us do it. And it is because we are God’s children that we can do it. Let’s love our enemies, as hard as it may be, just as Christ loves us.

Heavenly Father, I find it hard to love my enemies.

It’s hard enough sometimes to love my own family, friends and others. Yet, you call me to follow you, to do what you do, to live how you lived – and still live.

You ask me to do it because you have made me in your image, placed Christ in me and given me your Holy Spirit. Help me to live according to who I truly am – as your child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

BY PASTOR REID MATTHIAS

‘If, then, God gave [the Gentiles] the same gift that he also gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?’ (Acts 11:17).

Read Acts 11:1–18.

I vividly remember the ringing of the phone.

It was annoying because I was young and hungry. On the table in front of us was the holiday turkey, the potatoes and all the trimmings. The smell made us salivate and all that I wanted to do was dig in.

But the phone interrupted our hunger. It was the fire department and a local house had caught on fire. My grandfather and my uncle were volunteer firefighters; thus, they were called into action even though dinner was on the table.

So, we waited, staring at the food, hoping that they’d hurry up. And then the phone rang again. This time it was my grandfather. My grandma’s face was serious. She nodded a few times and then said, ‘Well, bring them over. There’s plenty to eat and plenty of room’.

She cradled the phone and then announced to everyone that Grandpa and Uncle Dale were bringing home the family whose house had just burned. I looked at the table, stacked with food, but already stuffed with chairs and I thought, ‘There’s no room for anyone else’.

Almost as if reading my thoughts, Grandma said, ‘It’s alright, everyone, there’s always more room at the table’.

So it was for the first believers in Christ. The feast had been served. All the good gifts of heaven are displayed before the Jewish Christians who wanted to keep the meal for themselves. God had another thing in mind: There is always more room at my table.

God’s welcome to the meal, which is a foretaste of the feast to come, is open to all people regardless of past or even present.

How have you felt God’s grace opened to you?

Thank you, Jesus, for giving me eyes to see a grace larger than I could have ever imagined. Help me enjoy the gift. Amen.

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LUTH ERAN SCH OOLS I N AUSTRALIA AN D ALWS TEAM U P SO THAT …

LEAR N I NG TOG ETH ER ,

we bring love to life ‘What I love about ALWS is the opportunity our Lutheran schools (teachers and students) have to live the gospel and develop life-changing partnerships with our neighbours near and far. ALWS supports our students to develop a deep understanding and empathy about what real development, sustainability and empowerment look like. Students see that no matter their age, they have the capacity to use their hands, head and hearts to impact the lives of others. Seeing with eyes of another.

Listening with ears of another. Feeling with the heart of another. When I visited Kakuma Refugee Camp with ALWS last year, I saw that we all want the same things for our children and the future. Safety. Education. Love.

Community. I also saw how a donor’s support (through money, prayers and advocacy) really is bringing love to life – especially in camp schools. The conditions of school buildings and resources may vary from Kakuma to Australia, but the passion of teachers there and here to see their students’ dreams come to reality is universally the same.’

– Jodie Hoff Chair ALWS Board, Principal, Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (LORDS) Pimpama, Queensland

‘It’s about us, not me. This is a radical idea these days, but we know that Christ, in his abundant love, suffered for us and set all of us free to be about us, not me. So who is “us”? ALWS partners with Lutheran schools and early childhood services to help children, young people and staff learn that the people we love and serve might be far away from us geographically and culturally, or right next door. Through learning with ALWS, students and staff encounter injustice and have the opportunity to respond with courage and compassion. Students are brought into relationship with the wider world and its needs. As they learn together, a relationship also builds with ALWS, as it becomes a familiar name and their educators become familiar faces as well. While students won’t get to meet the 40,000 children in refugee camps that receive an education through the Grace Project, they do hear their stories from the ALWS team at Awareness Days and through challenges. These relationships help bring all of us closer together: growing, serving, shaping and enriching the world.’

– Associate Professor Lisa Schmidt Executive Director, Lutheran Education Australia

‘We have 50 students looking at the subject of poverty, and learning about your ALWS work all term. The students’ task is to explain the work that ALWS does in either a specific place in the world or as a response to hardships that people face (war, poverty, floods, etc). We also plan to do our own Walk My Way to raise awareness and funds for refugee children to go to school. Students are excited because a generous donor has sponsored us to start walking with a $500 start-up for you at ALWS! I pray that God blesses the work of ALWS very much.’

– Juanita Eime Year 12 Coordinator/Head of Christian Studies, Peace Lutheran College Cairns, Qld

‘Thank you so much for your session. We have had such good feedback from the students and their parents.’

– Jordan Riddle Geelong Lutheran College, Victoria

‘Thanks for your incursion with our Year 2 and 3 students. It was great to get another perspective about being God’s stewards to look after his creation.’

– Leeanne Williams St John’s campus Geelong Lutheran College, Victoria

W H AT I ’ V E L E A R N T …

• People still have hope even in the darkest of times.

• Their life is sad up until ALWS steps in and that I could donate to make a difference.

A LW S + L U T H E R A N SCH OOLS = FI RED-U P STU D ENTS !

• To be more grateful for what I’m given.

• That others do not have easy lives, and to never take anything for granted.

• Refugees walk for days/weeks to get somewhere safe and have almost nothing.

• Sixty per cent of refugees are children.

• Many people are displaced through no fault of their own.

• How privileged we really are. It makes me feel grateful for my own life and sad and worried for others.

– Year 9s Tatachilla Lutheran College, South Australia

CU R R I CU LU M R ESO U RCES ALWS provides teachers with free resources on poverty, justice, development and faith lived in action across all school year levels. There are videos, stories, ‘did you know?’ facts and activities.

REFU.ME Students take part in 10 different challenges to get a taste of what life might be like as a refugee, so they will be inspired to ‘welcome the stranger’.

W H AT ’ S M Y B U S I N ES S? Students learn how business loans help people in ALWS-supported communities. Then they receive a loan to start their own business. Profits help people through ALWS.

W A L K M Y W AY Schools are supported to set up their own microfundraising site, then walk to raise money from their families and communities to help refugee children to go to school.

AWAR EN ESS ACTIO N

W I T N ES S I N G YO U R LO V E CO M I N G TO L I F E ‘Having worked in Lutheran Schools for 22 years I’ve seen first-hand the power of quality education to transform young people's lives. In our Lutheran schools here in Australia we are blessed with abundant resources, facilities and professional learning, so it was wonderful to see what our Lutheran schools are doing through ALWS at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Despite the harsh conditions, the confronting reality of families torn apart by war and famine, class sizes of over 100 and refugee teachers working on a shoestring, I saw for myself the work of our Lutheran school communities and their ongoing service and support. The lives and hearts of thousands of young refugees are being transformed. What a blessing we can have an impact like this by taking action through the GRACE Project and Walk My Way.’ – Kelvin Grivell, Principal of Encounter Lutheran College at Victor Harbor in South Australia (580 students), pictured here with Rukia Salimu Hamadi, Principal of Nassi Bunda Pre-Primary School, Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya (808 students).

ALWS provides 90-minutes sessions with stories and activities on topics lined up with the Australian curriculum, which can be delivered face-to-face to all ages and year levels throughout the year.

ZO O M S ES S I O N S For schools that can’t have a face-to-face visit, technology brings the ALWS Community Education team into the classroom, to deliver awareness sessions remotely.

SERVICE LEARNING ALWS can provide resources, opportunities and even staff professional development to help to learn about how love comes to life in practical action.

FAITH FOCUS Following in the footsteps of Jesus, there are many lessons to be learnt in how we meet the poor – these can be delivered through whole-school chapel services, staff and classroom devotions and Christian studies.

For more information, go to www.alws.org.au, phone 1300 763 407, or email alws@alws.org.au The Lutheran O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0

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BRICKS FOR BURUNDI Ndaruzaniye lives in Burundi. After her husband died, life became very hard. ‘I feel so much sorrow. We were eating badly – just beans and sweet potato. I was often sick, and the children were also sick. I don’t have enough money for the school uniforms and materials’, she said.

Meanwhile, Good Shepherd Lutheran College at Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast decided to help families like Ndaruzaniye’s to build their own houses so they can be safe and secure. Through ALWS the school launched a ‘Bricks for Burundi’ campaign.

School chapel offerings, a local Walk My Way and coin collections were just some of the ways the Good Shepherd community has built fundraising … while Ndaruzaniye built bricks – 2500 of them, made from mud, with the help of neighbours. ‘I am excited to have a new home – a clean, safe environment and my heart will be full of joy! I am thankful to the Australians for assisting me’, Ndaruzaniye said.

PARTN ERS H I P B U I LDS

community in Cambodia The Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (LORDS) at Pimpama in Queensland has 643 students. Thmei Village in Cambodia has 527 people.

Through ALWS, LORDS and Thmei have come together in a partnership to build a community pond. The people of Thmei told ALWS that changing climate had made rainfall unreliable and threatened crops, which provide their income, and affected local hygiene, which jeopardised their health. The community pond will provide clean safe water year-round.

Students at LORDS decided to step out (literally) to bring love to life in Thmei.

For two weeks in August, LORDS encouraged students, staff and families to participate in local versions of Walk My Way – on beaches, in their neighbourhoods and at school – until they covered 26 kilometres.

Meanwhile, Year 5 students worked on the ALWS ‘What’s my business?’ service learning unit – building businesses to create profit which helps people.

The LORDS school community has raised more than $7000 to help the people of Thmei Village.

www.lutheran.edu.au

Would you like to know more about Lutheran education?

Lutheran Education Australia

National Office

197 Archer Street North Adelaide SA 5006 T 08 8267 7318 E lea@lutheran.edu.au www.lutheran.edu.au

Visit the Lutheran Education Australia website:

“...provide students with a knowledge of Christian beliefs.”

“...each home and the school work together for the welfare of students.”

Christian growth A Lutheran school promotes Christian growth and development.

Each school integrates Christian understanding s into all its teaching. The Lutheran system has developed its own Christian Studies curriculum to provide students with knowledge of Christian a beliefs and teachings.

Each school intentionally employs teachers who are able and active in supporting students in a Christian approach to life.

A Lutheran school provides regular worship including devotions. There are daily opportunities to encourage and nurture the Christian faith in each individual student.

• eLibrary including Christian Studies, worship, devotions, • Growing deep leadership and formation Framework Fuelling the fire • eNews • Governance resources with an introduction for school councils • Books, papers and pamphlets about Lutheran education

FUELLING THE FIRE

service learning and wellbeing ideas and resources

A project supported

Lutherans accept the responsibility they have to comply with government regulations pertaining to the schools.

They appreciate and accept financial assistance from governments for the establishment , maintenance and operation of the schools, provided that it does not compromise their distinctive nature.

The church commends government assistance that enables more families to use the schools and which helps them to provide programs for those with special needs.

and endorsed by:

NEV GRIEGER

93685_Cover.indd

Futhe elling

fire

In Fuelling the fire, Nev Grieger builds on his previous writing about Lutheran education in Australia. He explores the essence of spirituality the twenty first century in and urges a fresh approach – one that sits outside the box of traditional thinking and resonates with today’s school communities.

He encourages school leaders leadership role as foundationalto see their spiritual and intrinsic in all they do as leaders. He challenges leaders to develop a culture that sees all staff influencing and supporting the spiritual life of the school community.

Nev’s wide experience in leading Lutheran education enables him to provide practical and insightful advice.

This book is a ‘must read’ for leaders in Lutheran education as well as those aspiring to leadership roles. Use it as a tool for a self-check for spiritual leadership or simply soak in its inspiration.

Families and communi ties

A Lutheran school works as a team with parents.

Lutherans believe that God has given parents and caregivers the prime responsibility for the education of their children.

Lutherans provide schools to assist parents in promoting educational and spiritual their growth. It is vital that each home and the school work together for the welfare of students on the basis of shared aims and values.

A Lutheran school holds itself accountable to parents for the progress and welfare of students. It provides structures for constant communication between the home and the school.

It encourages parents to get involved in their children’s schooling and to participate in school life in the variety of ways that are available.

A Lutheran school is part of the greater community.

Lutherans understand that their schools operate in a larger system where they make their own special contribution offer choice and diversity. and

Nev Grieger

Written primarily as a resource to encourage and support new early childhood services directors, and principals in Lutheran schools.

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Lutheran Education Queensland Level 2, 24 McDougall Street Milton Qld 4064 T 07 3511 4050 E director@qld.lutheran.edu.au www.leq.lutheran.edu.au Lutheran Education SA/NT & WA 137 Archer Street North Adelaide SA 5006 T 08 8267 5565 E lesnw@lesnw.edu.au www.lesnw.edu.au Lutheran Education VIC, NSW & TAS Level 1, 755 Station Street Box Hill Vic 3128 T 03 9236 1250 E director@levnt .edu.au www.levnt.edu.au

Lutheran Church of Australia

Churchwide Office

197 Archer Street North Adelaide SA 5006 T 08 8267 7300 E admin@lca.org.au www.lca.org.au

What is so special about a Lutheran school?

AUSTRALIA

In this monthly column we hear from young people in our church about the ministries and mission they are part of, as we seek to better engage with youth in our communities.

FREE to

walk for

OTHER S

Wi t h ALWS Walk My Way communi t y events cancelled in 2020 due to t he COVID-19 pandemic, a group of staff and Year 11 st udents from Concordia College in suburban Adelaide t hought creat ively abou t raising funds to support t he educat ion of children in refugee camps.

Students Emma Jenke, Eva Kemp, Asha Tamms and Shae Tamms worked with Concordia staff members Jane Graham and Judy Harris to create a multi-faceted fundraiser. Year 11s and Year 5s gained sponsors and walked laps of the college oval, collectively tallying more than 450 kilometres.

she says. ‘God's love is the reason why I am inspired and empowered to serve.’

The student quartet instigated the event after teacher Jane Graham shared with them about her meeting last year at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya with a girl named Harian Emuronti. Despite being deaf, Harian is receiving an education through ALWS support and doing beadwork to support her family.

‘I would like to grow up to see a world where everyone is given a chance and step by step, together, we can make this happen.’

The Concordia group also sold handmade beaded bracelets and printed bags made by the Lutheran Community Sewing Group (see story pages 26–27).

26–27).

Thanks to their efforts $3725 was raised – enough to support 143 children in refugee camps to go to school for a year.

Asha Tamms says God’s love is her inspiration to serve others. ‘I long to see the children in Kakuma being given the same opportunity that we are so blessed to have!’,

‘I'm just a teenager from Adelaide and I may not be able to eradicate the violence or erase the trauma of these people, but I can help give them an education and that's a very powerful thing’, Emma Jenke says.

Eva Kemp says, ‘It can be so easy to take blessings such as security and education for granted here in Australia.

When taking part in the beading, I wanted to refocus on what`s really important in life – God`s amazing love – and help out my brothers and sisters across the globe who are not given the opportunities that I have.’

‘Things that inspired me to do this project were, first of all, the kids in the camp. We are so privileged and sometimes we complain about going to school, while there are kids who would love to be in our position’, Shae Tamms says. ‘As Christians, we need to love and serve others whenever we can, just as Jesus inspires us to.’

Join your LEA community on Facebook and Instagram Search for Lutheran Education Australia on Facebook and Instagram

JOIN US ONLINE TODAY

Our social media pages • Keep each other in touch with school and early childhood services across Australia • Promote the values for Lutheran education • Highlight formation and leadership development opportunities • Link with other LCA agencies and news • Share the word of God • Appreciate and encourage

https://www.instagram.com/luthedaus/

https://www.facebook.com/LuthEdAus/ The Lutheran O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0

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How far will your gift of grace go this COVID Christmas?

Who knows how long COVID-19 will keep us apart from those we care about? Until Christmas?

This year, more than ever before, we need to find ways to connect with those we care about. Our own friends and families. Families in the world’s poorest countries threatened by poverty, conflict and COVID-19.

That’s why this year’s ALWS Gifts of Grace is packed with Connect at Christmas ideas: • 21 gifts based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:34–40 (I was hungry …)

• 5 gifts under $10 (Sunday school, primary school, grandchildren) • as many Grace Cards as you like (recycled, packed by volunteers)

Each Gift of Grace helps people like Venenanda from Burundi, the mum of the children you see in the photo.

‘Before I didn’t even know how to read and write, but now I can write my name on paper!

Learning Kit – $16 I am hoping you will continue to help people like me. An iron roof would be good and some kitchen pots. Build a house – $243 I hope I can learn about growing the trees in the nursery too. Farming Kit – $66 If I keep growing in knowledge, I know that this will improve my life.’

Each friend or family member who receives a Grace Card you send will be reminded how much you care for them … and inspired by seeing your values at work bringing love to life. What a gift of grace you will be!

This COVID Christmas, Gifts of Grace can bring you close … no matter how far away you may be!

1300 763 407 * alws.org.au/grace

LCA Constitution review interim report released The LCA/NZ has released an interim report detailing the vision, recommendations and principles for a new constitutional framework for the church, along with church member feedback on the current constitution.

The General Church Board (GCB) is conducting the review of the 54-year-old constitution on behalf of General Synod.

The interim report is the culmination of Phase 1 of the review process. The review aims to develop a constitution that serves the church well in being faithful to Christ, living out the gospel and thriving in the 21st century.

To date, approximately 250 church members have engaged with the review process. Some people have completed surveys, others have written submissions, some have participated in working groups, and still others have been involved in telephone interviews.

The purpose of the Phase 1 Review was to identify and analyse the key issues and establish the key principles that will be presented for approval as the framework that will guide the development of a new constitutional structure, Executive Officer of the Church Peter Schirmer said.

updating of the constitutional framework.

Submissions to the review show that most church members support having new, easier-to-read documentation.

They would also like to see our separate General and District Synods constitutionally linked and working together more. And they would like to simplify the definition of ‘membership’ of congregations to bring our definitions in line with typical practice.

‘The aim is to achieve a constitutional framework that has longevity and reflects who we are, why we exist, how we are governed, is consistent with contemporary standards, and is of such a nature that requires minimal changes over time’, he said.

The detailed two-volume Interim Report provides a fuller outline of changes church members would like to see. The most significant suggested improvement is to regroup our current large document into three separate but related documents – a ‘Church Charter’, a ‘Book of Rules’ and a ‘Constitution’ for our legal structure.

He said in 2021 the church would decide if, when and how it would move into Phase 2, planning for the actual

The ‘Church Charter’ would be based on Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and would perform a modern-day

function similar to that of the Theses of Agreement in 1966. The ‘Book of Rules’ would be a collection of the standard operating regulations, policies and procedures of the LCA/NZ. We would continue to have a legal document in order to have a legal structure, meet secular requirements and provide legal protections for our church.

Links to the interim report have been emailed to all pastors, congregation chairs and 2018 General Synod delegates. You can also find out more about the review and read both volumes of the report online at www.lca.org.au/ constitution-review Please provide your feedback on the report and its recommendations, along with any ideas you have about updating the LCA/NZ constitution, to your local district. Contact details are on the Constitution Review webpage.

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Reconciliation Action Plan endorsed The LCA’s Reconciliation Action Plan has been approved by the General Church Board and endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer Karen Mundine said: ‘As a member of the RAP community, the Lutheran Church of Australia joins over 1000 dedicated corporate, government, and not-forprofit organisations that have formally committed to reconciliation through the RAP program. RAP organisations across Australia are … helping to build higher trust, lower prejudice, and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.’

LCA/NZ Bishop John Henderson described the RAP document as ‘a labour of love’. ‘It represents the continuation of a journey begun when … the late Pastor George Rosendale … and Dr Lance Steicke, the then President of the LCA, led a formal rite of reconciliation between the Lutheran Church of Australia and Indigenous Lutherans (in 2000)’, he said. ‘The Lutheran RAP is a framework we can use in our organisations and ministries to increase our awareness, sensitivity and inclusion.’

The RAP has been sent to church leaders, General Synod delegates, congregations and schools.

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Church leaders report on ordination deliberations The LCA/NZ’s governance and pastoral leaders have issued a report to members after meeting about the division within the church over women’s ordination.

Earlier this year, the General Church Board (GCB) and the College of Bishops (CoB) held a joint meeting on the issue.

This was their second such combined meeting since the 2018 General Convention of Synod, at which a resolution to allow the ordination of women in the LCA/NZ received majority support but failed to garner the twothirds majority of delegates required for such a change to church practice and teaching.

The result was similar to those of ballots at three previous General Conventions since 2000, in which more than 50 per cent of delegates were in favour of women’s ordination.

The church remains divided on this issue and, despite years of theological study and respectful dialogue and debate, there is no indication that consensus will be reached. The GCB and CoB met to consider what steps might be taken to address this impasse.

After considering all the information they had received, to make the task manageable, GCB and CoB confined the task to considering three potential

scenarios, while acknowledging that there may also be others: Scenario 1: A single LCA/NZ synod, with one teaching and two practices Scenario 2: A single LCA/NZ synod, with the current teaching upheld Scenario 3: Multiple LCA/NZ synods – we can no longer stay together (we separate).

The GCB and CoB have assessed each scenario against a number of criteria, including church unity, confessional and biblical identity/integrity, and the impact on gospel proclamation.

The report is now available for church members to read and discuss. A copy has been sent to all pastors, parish and congregation chairs and General Synod delegates.

LCA/NZ Bishop John Henderson said all members of the GCB and the CoB remained committed to the one LCA/NZ, ‘our unity as a synod and our common purpose in Christ. We are Lutheran, and we want to remain so, but first of all we are Christ’s … If we hurt each other, it is really him we hurt’.

You can access the report via the LCA website at www.lca.org.au

LUTHERAN TEACHERS COLLEGE FOUNDER DIES Rev Dr Rolph Mayer, a founding lecturer and longtime principal of the LCA’s Lutheran Teachers College (LTC), has died, aged 90.

Dr Mayer was also a founding committee member of Lutheran Student Fellowship in South Australia in the 1950s.

Dr Mayer (pictured) was a lecturer at LTC when it was based in Highgate in Adelaide’s inner south from 1968 and was principal of the LCA’s teacher training school from 1970 until 1987.

He continued to teach at LTC when it moved to the campus of Luther Seminary in North Adelaide in 1990. He retired from full-time teaching at the end of 1995.

Ordained as a Lutheran pastor in 1951, he served the people of the Lower Murray Home Mission in South Australia until 1954. He was a teacher and chaplain from 1955 until 1967 at Immanuel College in suburban Adelaide, firstly at Walkerville then at Novar Gardens.

In 2009, he was granted an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Australian Lutheran College.

Dr Mayer, who died in Adelaide on 31 August, is survived by his wife, Margaret, and daughters Susan and Anne and their families. His son, Peter, predeceased him.

Update on discipline procedures review In 2018, the LCA General Synod asked the General Church Board (GCB) to resource a review of the church’s Ecclesiastical Discipline, Adjudication and Appeals provisions, policies and processes, and a review of the Professional Standards Department and related policies, procedures and practices.

Submissions were invited from all interested parties, including pastors, calling body chairpersons, district administrators, church leaders and General Synod delegates. These have been analysed by the review team, which also did interviews and investigated how other organisations manage ecclesiastical discipline.

The review team is now developing a final report for GCB, which will be submitted in February 2021.

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NEW NAME FOR DISTRICT The LCA/NZ’s New South Wales District is now known as the Lutheran Church of Australia, NSW and ACT District. The change was instigated by the District Convention of Synod, which asked NSW’s District Church Council to register a trade name that included the Australian Capital Territory. Along with the new name, an updated logo and branding are being rolled out.

WHY WORK IN THE CHURCH? People working in and for the church can experience a deep sense of fulfilment through their service.

They have the opportunity to do what they are passionate about.

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Romans 12:6

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us

The Lutheran O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0

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In Going GREYT! we feature stories of some of our ‘more experienced’ people within the LCA/NZ, who have been called to make a positive contribution in their retirement. We pray their examples of service will be an inspiration and encouragement to us all as we look to be Christ’s hands and feet wherever we are, with whatever gifts and opportunities we’ve been given.

A stitch in time

builds lives

BY HELEN BERINGEN

Imagine a life where you have no say, no voice and no choice. Now imagine being housebound in a foreign land, where people speak a language you don’t understand and lead a way of life very different from your own.

Enter a kindly soul with a community bus who can take you from your doorstep to a safe place, where you are treated with dignity, where you make new friends and learn new skills.

Welcome to the Lutheran Community Sewing Group in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, where a volunteer team supports and teaches migrant women not only how to sew, but how to be valued, loved and to make sense of a new and alien world.

For almost 20 years coordinator Helen Semmler, 68, has run the group with a band of amazing helpers, from teachers to bus drivers, crèche helpers and sandwich makers. The past 16 of those years have been based at Albert Park Lutheran Church hall, where weekly student numbers average 25, with almost as many volunteers from 10 different Lutheran congregations, as well as other Christians, non-Christians, Sikhs and Muslims.

‘Our students these days are from Liberia, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, India, Eritrea, Iraq, China and Malaysia’, Helen says.

‘The most important thing we do in our group is equip the women with the skills and the confidence to achieve things, whether sewing projects or other goals. They often come from cultures which don’t value girls and women, so we applaud and celebrate every little pin cushion

‘ W E H AV E LE A R NT M O R E FRO M O U R WO M EN TH A N W E’ V E TAU G HT TH EM – M O R E A BO UT PATI EN CE A N D LOV E.’ 26

The Lutheran O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0

and every garment they make. This boosts their selfconfidence and helps them to tackle other projects, such as driving.’

These are massive steps for women who have had no say in their lives previously. And relationships built over needles and thread grow both ways.

‘We have learnt more from our women than we’ve taught them – more about patience and love’, Helen says. ‘I am also sure that we show the love of Christ to them in a way which words could not always convey.’

Many of the women have come from traumatic backgrounds. Some have little education, others are welleducated, but they do not speak English. So as well as learning how to sew, those who attend the group develop many other skills, even learning how to resolve differences and fix mistakes.

It takes negotiation and communication to find agreement in some things – especially when you have 12 teachers, each with a different way of putting in a zip, Helen says.

‘They watch us negotiate the best way to deal with a problem’, she says.

‘They have come from a background where often the only way to resolve conflict is with fighting. We show them a better way to resolve differences and conflict.

‘Secondly, one of the most important things we teach them is unpicking. It’s just as important as using a sewing machine. As in life, undoing a mistake is harder and far more tedious than the initial stitching up of the mistake.

And it’s a very serious lesson worth teaching.’

The genesis of the group, which Helen calls 'Our Beautiful Lutheran Sewing Group', was her passion for sewing and love for helping. She and husband Ken had welcomed into their home a Sudanese widow, Monica, who had lived in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, supported by Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) through its international field partner, Lutheran World Federation (LWF).

The Semmlers had met Monica when she’d asked for someone to drive her to a Lutheran church. Helen

Right: Lutheran Community Sewing Group coordinator Helen Semmler (standing) works on face masks for Australian Lutheran World Service, with husband Ken, group helper Alicja and student Mai. Middle right: Noreen Klein (left), one of the founders of the community sewing group, with student Donatila, who has shared fellowship and sewing with other members and helpers of the group.

Bottom right: Former sewing group student Grace puts her machine skills to use.

answered the call. Monica and her family became regular guests to Helen and Ken’s home for Sunday lunch, as Helen and Ken helped the new arrivals learn more about the Australian way of life.

‘I am a sewer, so when Monica came to our house and saw my sewing machines, she just stood there like she had been blitzed by lightning’, recalls Helen.

Helen not only agreed to teach Monica how to sew, but she soon began teaching Monica's friend. And so, with the help of Noreen and Jim Klein, the group began.

It has blossomed through a range of grants and donations and a perpetual student waiting list. Donations have come from across South Australia and beyond.

In the past five years the group’s association with ALWS has gathered steam as the members have sewn up a fundraising storm.

If you’ve Walked my Way, you may even have been gifted one of the 830 colourful bags they’ve contributed to encourage participants in the event which supports children to go to school in refugee camps in east Africa.

While the sewing group has been in recess due to COVID-19 restrictions, a small group has begun sewing face masks for ALWS. They’ve already finished 500 masks, with another 400 in the pipeline.

ALWS is a great match for the group, with Helen and Ken's decades-long relationship with the LCA’s overseas aid and development agency, LWF, and the former Lutheran World Service Club.

Ken, a former RAAF fighter pilot, served ALWS in Cambodia in 1992, Rwanda in 1994 to 1995 and Sumatra between 2005 and 2010, the latter in support of the posttsunami recovery effort. He stressed the importance in the early years of ALWS of the input of former directors Brian Neldner, Sid Bartsch, Gary Simpson and Peter Schirmer.

‘What Helen and I have done is no big deal’, says Ken. ‘“For God so loved the world that he gave …”. In our own stumbling manner, can we do otherwise? Praise the Lord and press on.’

Helen Beringen is a Brisbane-based writer who is inspired by the many GREYT people who serve tirelessly and humbly in our community. By sharing stories of how God shines his light through his people, she hopes others are encouraged to explore how they can use their gifts to share his light in the world.

Know of any other GREYT stories in your local community?

Email the editor lisa.mcintosh@lca.org.au

DIRECTORY CALLS

INSTALL ATION

Extended • Rev Matthew P Bishop • Rev Morley WA to Woolloongabba Qld • Rev Thomas Bohmert • Rev St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly Qld to Darwin NT • Rev Eugene G Minge • Rev Tea Tree Gully SA to Mount Gambier SA

L AY WORKER S

• Rev Nicholas A Mullen • Rev Carol Stream Illinois USA to Everton Hills Qld

Accepted

• Mrs Elaine J Traeger, wife of Rev Clement • Mrs Traeger, died on 18 August 2020 at Fullarton Lutheran Homes SA. Her funeral was held on 25 August 2020 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Adelaide SA.

In Memoriam

• Erin Skewes Child & Family Encourager, • Erin The Ark Salisbury Lutheran Church SA

ROLL OF PASTOR S

• Rev Lee S Kroehn • Rev Waikerie SA to Rochedale Qld • Rev Michael J Mayer • Rev St Peters Indooroopilly Qld to Ashmore Qld • Rev Nicholas A Mullen • Rev Carol Stream Illinois USA to Everton Hills Qld • Rev Nigel J Rosenzweig LCA Grow • Rev Ministries/Unley SA to Victor Harbor SA

• Rev Nicholas A Mullen • Rev has been admitted to the Roll of Pastors

by College of Bishops effective as at 24 August 2020

CHANG E OF ADDRES S • Malcolm Willcocks • Malcolm PO Box 2129 Alice Springs NT 0871

Declined • Rev Matthew P Bishop • Rev Morley WA to Morphett Vale SA

YE ARBO OK CHANG ES

• Rev Thomas Bohmert • Rev St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly Qld to Darwin NT • Rev Nigel J Rosenzweig LCA Grow • Rev Ministries/Unley SA to Blair Athol SA

• Rev Stuart P Kleinig • Rev as Interim Ministry Pastor for Reconciliation LCA and to North Tasmania Parish at Burnie Tas by Rev Michael J Steicke (on behalf of Bishops J R Henderson and L D Priebbenow)

IN MEMORIAM

• Page 125 Canna Trinity Lutheran WA is now • Page dissolved (congregations) • Page 140 Melbourne Hungarian Church • Page and Rev Janos Dabasy 0412 281 501 (congregations)

Phillipus Tjakamarra Rev Phillipus Tjakamarra born c1932; married Gwenda Kingsley (tribal marriage); ordained 2 December 1984 (Papunya NT); served Papunya NT; retired 2005; died 25 August 2020 (Alice Springs NT); funeral details to be confirmed; mourned by wife Gwenda, children Desmond, Charlotte, Patricia and families

In Memoriam

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Rolph Mayer Rev Dr Rolph Wilhelm Mayer born 13 Nov 1929 (Toowoomba Qld); ordained 14 Jan 1951 (North Adelaide SA); married Margaret Ruth nee Hentschke 24 April 1954 (St Stephens Adelaide SA); served Lower Murray Home Mission (1951– 1954), Immanuel College SA (1955– 1967), Lutheran Teachers College (1968–1995), Principal, Lutheran Teachers College (1970–1987); retired 31 December 1995; died 31 August 2020 (Adelaide SA); funeral 5 Sept 2020 (Novar Gardens SA); mourned by wife Margaret, children Susan and Anne and families

Welcoming staff into Lutheran education Lutheran Education Australia values excellence in learning for all staff and provides learning opportunities from induction through all years of service. Lutheran Education has two programs to support and prepare new staff:

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Learn more at www.lutheran.edu.au/ school-professionals-2/accreditation Australian Lutheran College, a college of the University of Divinity, recognises both programs for inclusion in its Graduate Certificate in Education and Theology.

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SUDOKU Every number from one to nine must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal columns and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes.

No number can occur more than once in any row, column or box. The solution will be printed in the next edition.

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Give the gift of a subscription to Just give us the recipient’s name and address, along with your name, address and email for billing, and we’ll do the rest.

Short-term gift subscriptions now available – email or phone us

www.thelutheran.com.au/subscribe

lutheran.subs@lca.org.au

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Let this prayer calendar for next month encourage each of us to lift up our fellow LCA/NZ members and faith communities to God every day. We also remember groups who would have gathered in November but for the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 2020 S U N D AY

M O N D AY

T U E S D AY

P L E A S E P R AY F O R …

W E D N E S D AY

T H U R S D AY

F R I D AY

S AT U R D AY

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Refugees and asylum seekers, that they may have access to basic needs such as accommodation, food, medical treatment and education

Awareness of men's health issues and support for those who suffer, including cancer and depression

Pastor Peter Laihia and the leaders and members of Bethania Lutheran Church Qld

The students and community of Concordia College Highgate SA, including senior campus Principal Paul Weinert

Lay people and pastors to be moved to serve Central Australian churches and communities through Finke River Mission

The Australian Lutheran World Service Board of Directors, including chairperson Jodie Hoff and ALWS Executive Director Jamie Davies

Residents and staff of Lutheran retirement living properties at Angaston and Nuriootpa, both in SA

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All Australians on NAIDOC Week which celebrates the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Members and leaders of Bethany/Tabor Lutheran Parish in SA, including Pastor David Gogoll

Scientists everywhere on World Science Day for Peace and Development

The families and loved ones of those who have died in all wars and conflicts on Armistice Day (New Zealand)/ Remembrance Day (Australia)

Principal Tim Kotzur and the students and community of St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly Qld

The LCA/NZ Committee for Ministry with the Ageing, including chairperson Colleen Fitzpatrick

Pastors and lay people who serve as chaplains in the defence forces in Australia and New Zealand

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People around Australia and NZ who are doing end-ofyear exams in what may be difficult and unprecedented circumstances

Members and leaders of Trinity Bethel Lutheran Church in NSW, including Pastor Christian Fandrich

Principal Damon Prenzler and the students and community of Nhill Lutheran School Vic

Members of the Board for Lutheran Education Australia, including chair Brett Hausler and LEA Executive Director Assoc Prof Lisa Schmidt

Residents, staff and management of retirement living at St Mark’s Court Dalby and Peace Haven Gatton, both in Qld

Farmers everywhere, who work hard to supply fresh food for our nations, on Australia’s National Agriculture Day

Pastor Peter Cass and members of the MaryboroughChilders Parish Qld, including preaching places at Biggenden and Woodgate

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The students and community of St John’s Lutheran School Eudunda SA, including Principal Michael Bowmer

Those who operate and those who use Riverland Camp Kedron, which is owned by the Lutheran churches of the Riverland in SA

Children and educators in Lutheran schools and early learning centres, as they work with ALWS to grow in awareness of the needs of the world

The staff and volunteers of Christian bookshops around Australia and New Zealand, especially those who’ve been unable to operate during COVID-19

The members and leaders at Holy Cross Lutheran Church Birdwood in SA, including Pastor David Kuss

The students and community of Peace Lutheran College Cairns Qld, including Principal Elisabeth Fenske

Pastors and congregational leaders from around the LCA/ NZ, as they endeavour to prepare for Christmas in times of COVID-19

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Pastor Graham Pfeffer and the members and leaders of Redeemer Lutheran Church Biloela Qld

All NZ Lutherans on Chatham Islands Anniversary Day. The islands hosted the first Lutheran mission in Aotearoa-New Zealand

The Lutheran O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0

DISCOVER MORE AT

www.lutheranmedia.org.au Phone FREECALL 1800 353 350 luthmedia@lca.org.au

2021 SCRIPTURE CALENDAR

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Thank you to the entrants of the inaugural Lutheran Media Calendar Image competition. There were so many amazing photos that they have filled the calendar. Calendars are now available to pick up from Lutheran Media or to order.

Order for yourself or to give as a gift Pin it up at home, in the shed or office to show the inspiring images and verses Read a bible verse each day Order more copies to give as gifts to your neighbours, friends and family Order your 2021 calendar at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/calendar or call us on 1800 353 350.

LISTEN

Join Richard and Celia each week through October for conversations and interviews about anxiety and mental health as well as exploring our relationship with God and prayer. Tune in on your local radio or go to messagesofhope.org.au or messagesofhope.org.nz

WATCH

LATELY?

Worship live or in your own time with St Michael’s Lutheran Church from Hahndorf South Australia or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church from Toowoomba Queensland at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/worship. You can also order weekly worship DVDs or join us on our Lutheran Media Facebook page at facebook.com/luthmedia

PLAY

HAVE YOU LISTENED TO YOUR

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Download it from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Happyland Stories are now also available to watch on the website.

THANKS

YOUR DONATIONS AND PRAYERS ARE HELPING TO COMMUNICATE CHRIST AND HIS MESSAGE OF HOPE TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE EACH WEEK.

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LUXURY ACCOMMODATION WITH POOL

SCHUBERT & SONS

Interns experience practical ministry, learning to serve Jesus and each other while assisting in the operations of a Lutheran retreat and conference centre. Interns are also given an experience of hands-on camping and youth ministry and undertake ministry and theology studies as they journey with other like-minded young adults while serving at Warrambui together.

02 6220 1000 |

eckermanngroup.com 8235 3900

w w w.preventdf v.lca .org.au

Arise focuses on building a faith foundation that is grown by living and serving in an authentic Christian community.

While volunteering time to serve at Warrambui, the interns build their character, further discover their identity in Christ, and explore questions of faith in a supportive Christian environment that will give them a solid grounding for whatever lies ahead.

PHONE:

Conveyan cer s Law yer s Fo rms

A project of the LCA NSW District

Phone the free-call number (Aust 1800 644 628 NZ 0800 356 887), email complaints@lca.org.au or write to Confidential, PO Box 519, Marden SA 5070.

Thank you!

As ALWS gives thanks to God for 70 years of service, the people of Burundi give thanks to you you!!

Pablo Lo Moro, LWF Regional Program Coordinator for Burundi (one of the five poorest countries in the world), sent this message for our Lutheran family: ‘The people we serve do not live in the spotlight. Their plight often goes unnoticed.

These are the unseen poor, living in the world’s hardest conditions. At the Lutheran World Federation we see people going hungry, fleeing violence, falling sick and having no means to help their loved ones get treatment.

Fortunately for them, ALWS does take notice. You turn every stone to ensure suffering stops.

Unlike others who follow where the media is, ALWS has stood by Burundi through thick and thin.

Australian support has helped us enable thousands to put their trauma behind them and stand on their own two feet.

‘I will never forget a lady called Jeanne who proudly held her two chickens, telling me that before your help she went years without having protein. Although she still had very little, each day she had two precious eggs.’

I have witnessed ALWS commitment first-hand in Burundi, a country where two-thirds of the population simply do not have enough to eat. Many children will not grow to their potential, as they become stunted.

In Burundi, our humanitarian workers benefit from ALWS training and their detailed monitoring. They help us improve each year.

Having been unable to walk as a child, I am particularly grateful for ALWS training in supporting people with disabilities.

Now, 70 years later, the world IS a better place thanks to ALWS and the generosity of the people of Australia. Jeanne and her six children would agree.

I mean this from my heart.’

To meet more people for whom you bring love to life through ALWS:

1300 763 407 * alws.org.au

70 years together bringing love to life!